A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a
deep pit.

All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would
never get out.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead.

Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and
simply gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as
hard as he could.

Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering
and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs asked him, "Why did you continue jumping?
Didn't you hear us?"

The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging
him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to
someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill
them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.

The power of words ... it is sometimes hard to understand that an
encouraging
word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another
of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who
will take the time to encourage another. Be special to others.